Not cut out for the PICU

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Hello. Firstly I graduated in December 2017 and started my first RN job in the PICU in January 2018, I'm 4 month in and to be honest, I don't think the PICU is for me. I worked 2 1/2 years as a PCA in Labor and Delivery and I thought I wanted to work with sick kids but boy was I wrong. I know that everyone's first year is rough and I get that but I get so uncomfortable with really critical patients. I feel like I'm going to pass out or have a panic attack. I don't think I truly knew how hard this was going to be when I took this position. I can't sleep and I always feel incompetent. I want to talk to my ANM about how I'm feeling but she isn't the most approachable person. Any advice on how to talk to my ANM? TIA!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I think a lot of people jump into ICU positions without realizing how sick and how intense these patients can be, and how difficult being an ICU nurse of any variety is.

IMO, it's OK if you realized that PICU isn't for you. And IMO, better you talk to your manager about it now, before management comes to talk to you because the stress has started to be detrimental to your performance.

Perhaps you could cross-train to a different pediatric area? Or maybe even transfer into L&D/post-partum since you have PCA experience there?

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiac ICU.

Sorry to hear PICU isn't working out, but better to try and find out than to never know!

I think you should talk to your ANM even if she isn't approachable, or maybe your ANM along with your NM together. At my institution, they usually help the nurse find a place in another unit if it isn't working out since the hospital spent money in training you. The sooner the better in my opinion, so they aren't wasting time and money on your orientation.

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Specializes in PICU.

Hi there, I completely understand what you are going through. I started in PICU after two years of adult med-surg and then two years of pediatric med-surg. It was a challenging transition. I posted on here not too long after starting in PICU because I was having awful nightmares about messing up drips and my vents and what not. I can tell you it took about six months for me to start feeling somewhat comfortable. I'm at about nine months now and starting to love it. When I had the same feelings that you are describing, I went to my assistant manager and also my educator to touch base and talk about how I was doing. It helped to get feedback from them and also to go over the areas I was feeling the most uncomfortable in. They seemed to appreciate my honesty. My ANM told me once that the nurses that scared him were the ones that acted like they knew everything and he would rather have me asking questions every shift and admitting what I didn't know.

With all that being said, if you are feeling sure that this is not a good fit for you, I would request a transfer. It's an awful feeling to know you are in a position where you don't want to be. I say always trust your gut!

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Thanks everyone for your advice. I have spoken with my nurse managers and have requested a transfer to another unit. I appreciate all your help!

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